Leading scorer Rob Hulse is expected to be fit for Derby's home game against Championship play-off contenders Swansea.

The 10-goal striker was an unused substitute for the defeat to West Brom because of a back problem.

Fellow forward Steve Davies made his comeback from a hamstring strain with a late outing from the bench at The Hawthorns. He continued to step-up his return to fitness by playing an hour for the reserves this week.

Dean Leacock also played in that game and the defender is on the verge of the squad after recovering from the knee injury he suffered in December.

Left-back Jay McEveley completes a two-match suspension and will return to contention for the trip to Reading on Tuesday night.

Lee Hendrie is set to resume full training next week after being out for two months with hamstring and calf problems, while fellow midfielder Gary Teale is nearing a return after sustaining a calf injury at the end of January.

Will Buckley is pushing to make his Watford debut.

The winger, a January signing from Rochdale, has been sidelined with a thigh problem but proved his fitness with a run-out for the reserves in midweek and should travel to Pride Park.

The Hornets will be without Tom Cleverley as the on-loan Manchester United midfielder serves the second game of his three-match ban following his recent red card against Scunthorpe.

Boss Malky Mackay will also check on defender Jay DeMerit, who picked up a knock playing for the USA against Holland.

Will Hoskins is pressing for a start in attack after following up his goal as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle last weekend with a hat-trick for the reserves.